Chicken wings are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. Whether you’re preparing them for a weekend snack, a party appetizer, or a weeknight meal, these Crock Pot Chicken Wings are sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy tender, flavorful wings that are perfectly seasoned and deliciously crispy on the outside. This recipe combines the savory flavors of BBQ and Buffalo sauce with a touch of brown sugar for the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The slow-cooking process in the Crock Pot ensures that the chicken wings are fall-off-the-bone tender, while broiling them at the end gives them a satisfying crispy texture. Ready in under an hour, these wings are a hassle-free option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Prep Time

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. With only five minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the Crock Pot does the hard work for you.

2. Tender and Juicy Wings

Slow-cooking in the Crock Pot allows the wings to become incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the rich flavors of the spices and sauces.

3. Crispy Exterior

While slow cooking ensures the wings are tender, broiling them at the end gives them a beautiful crispy exterior, adding a perfect texture contrast.

4. Flavorful Sauces

The combination of BBQ sauce and Buffalo hot sauce creates the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, while the brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness.

5. Customizable Toppings

Top these wings with sliced green onions for a burst of color and serve with ranch dressing for a creamy, cooling dip. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

Bone-in, skin-on chicken wings
Kosher salt
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Ground black pepper
BBQ sauce
Buffalo hot sauce
Brown sugar
Olive oil
Sliced green onion (optional)
Ranch dressing (optional for dipping)

Variations

1. Spicy Heat

For an extra kick, add more Buffalo hot sauce or incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.

2. Sweet & Tangy

To balance the spice, add a bit more brown sugar or honey to the sauce mixture to give the wings a sweeter profile.

3. Garlic Lovers

Add more garlic powder to the seasoning mix or toss the cooked wings with fresh minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor.

4. Smoky BBQ

Enhance the smoky flavor by using a smoky BBQ sauce or adding a pinch of smoked chipotle powder to the seasoning mix.

5. Herb Garnish

Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro over the wings before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Make sure all the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, Buffalo hot sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Wings

Place the seasoned chicken wings in the Crock Pot and pour half of the sauce mixture over the wings, making sure they are well coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for later use.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook the wings on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the wings are fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Broil the Wings

Preheat the oven broiler to high and place an oven rack in the top third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cooked wings on the baking sheet. Brush the wings with olive oil and broil for 2-3 minutes, until the wings are browned and crispy.

Step 6: Add the Reserved Sauce

Brush the wings with some of the reserved sauce and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to add a layer of flavor and crispiness.

Step 7: Serve

Sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired and serve with ranch dressing and the remaining BBQ sauce for dipping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Pat the Wings Dry

Before seasoning, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up better when broiled.

2. Don’t Skip the Broiling Step

Broiling the wings at the end adds a crispy, caramelized texture to the exterior, making them irresistible.

3. Adjust the Spice Level

Feel free to adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce based on your heat preference. Add more for spicier wings or less for a milder flavor.

4. Use Fresh, Not Frozen Wings

Fresh chicken wings will yield better results than frozen wings, which may release too much moisture while cooking.

5. Make Extra Sauce

You can never have too much sauce! If you like your wings extra saucy, make additional BBQ and Buffalo sauce to coat them generously.

How to Serve

Serve these chicken wings as an appetizer at a party, a main dish with sides like coleslaw and fries, or a fun snack for game day. Pair them with a cooling ranch dressing for dipping, and for a tangy touch, add sliced green onions as a garnish. These wings also pair wonderfully with a cold drink or a refreshing salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or under the broiler to maintain their crispiness.

Freezing

These wings can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven to ensure they stay crispy.

Reheating

To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

It’s better to use fresh wings for the best texture, but you can use frozen wings if necessary. Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry.

2. Can I cook the wings on high in the Crock Pot?

Yes, cooking on high for 2-3 hours will work if you’re in a rush.

3. How do I make the wings extra crispy?

Broil the wings after they’ve cooked in the Crock Pot to get them crispy.

4. Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes, feel free to substitute the BBQ and Buffalo sauce with other sauces like teriyaki, honey mustard, or garlic Parmesan for different flavors.

5. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can cook the wings in the Crock Pot ahead of time, then broil them right before serving.

6. How can I adjust the spice level?

Simply add more or less Buffalo sauce to the sauce mixture to control the heat.

7. Can I make this recipe with boneless wings?

Yes, boneless wings can be used, but the cook time may vary slightly.

8. Can I use a different sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.

9. How do I store leftover wings?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

10. Can I cook the wings without broiling?

While broiling adds a crispy texture, you can skip this step and serve the wings straight from the Crock Pot.

Conclusion

These Crock Pot Chicken Wings are a simple and flavorful option for any meal or occasion. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create wings that are tender, juicy, and perfectly crispy. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, these wings will be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, let the Crock Pot do the work, and enjoy these irresistible wings!